Gateron Jupiter Brown vs. HMX Perky

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the HMX Perky represent two distinct philosophies in design and user experience. The Jupiter Brown switches, known for their tactile feedback, combine a classic keystroke feel with modern enhancements, making them ideal for users who enjoy a familiar typing sensation without sacrificing performance. Their medium-heavy weight and high-precision molds lend a robust quality to every keystroke, while the softened backlight effects add an aesthetic flair to your setup. On the other hand, the HMX Perky switches cater to those who prefer a linear approach, delivering a neutral and deeply satisfying typing experience thanks to their condensed travel distance and softer nylon housing. The Perky’s unique texture offers a clacky and polished feel, making it an appealing choice for gamers and typists who seek speed and fluidity. Both switches have their merits, appealing to different preferences in tactile feedback and typing dynamics. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Jupiter Brown Tactile

HMX Perky Linear

$2.80 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Jupiter Brown and the HMX Perky switches exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, which result in distinctly different acoustic profiles. The Jupiter Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and the crisper, higher-pitched sound it produces. This material not only enhances the clarity and resonance of the keypress but also fosters a more vibrant RGB light transmission due to its translucency. In contrast, the Perky features a nylon top housing, a material synonymous with a softer and more absorbent construction. This leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, crafting a typing experience that is rounder and less pronounced. Thus, while both switches may share a nylon bottom housing that binds them in their sound ethos, the varying top housings create distinctly divergent auditory environments.

Both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, which contributes significantly to the auditory characteristics shared between the two. Nylon, being a relatively softer plastic, absorbs sound waves and creates a fuller, less resonant quality in the overall typing experience. This bottom housing is crucial in shaping the bottom-out feel and sound, making it a consistent trait between the Jupiter Brown and the HMX Perky. Given that both switches employ this material for their bottoms, typists can expect a similar tactile response and sound profile when they reach the base of their keypress. The consistency of the nylon in the bottom housing ensures that users will experience a pleasantly thocky sound regardless of which switch they choose.

In summary, the contrast between the Gateron Jupiter Brown’s polycarbonate top housing and the HMX Perky’s nylon top housing underscores how material choices influence sound and feel. The synergy of both switches arises from their matching nylon bottom housings, which provide a shared depth and fullness to the typing experience. While the Jupiter Brown offers a sharper sound due to its polycarbonate top, the softness of the Perky's nylon top leads to a more subdued acoustic signature. Ultimately, the distinct upper housing materials dictate the salient qualities of each switch, while the uniform bottom housing ensures that a certain level of consistency can be expected in terms of sound and tactile feedback.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, a clear distinction emerges in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Jupiter Brown features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, categorizing it as a medium-heavy switch, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Perky switch boasts a lighter actuation force of just 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for those who favor lighter switches for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. The difference in these values highlights that the Jupiter Brown requires more force to actuate and bottom out compared to the Perky. Thus, users seeking a tactile feedback and a heavier feel should opt for the Jupiter Brown, while those prioritizing comfort and lower actuation force may prefer the HMX Perky.

Travel distance

The Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Perky linear switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference in travel distance presents distinct tactile experiences for users. The Jupiter Brown, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who enjoy a deeper feel when typing, offering a more pronounced tactile feedback that some users find satisfying. In contrast, the HMX Perky, with its shorter travel distance, might be preferred by gamers or those seeking quicker key presses for faster response times. Ultimately, if you value responsiveness over depth, you may lean toward the Perky switch, while the Jupiter Brown would be a better choice for users who appreciate a more substantial travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch produces a relatively subdued acoustic profile, offering a pleasant and modern typing experience without being overly disruptive. This contrasts sharply with the HMX Perky linear switch, which is characterized by its clacky sound, delivering a sharp and snappy auditory feedback upon activation. The crisp and bright notes generated by the Perky can create a more vibrant and lively typing environment, making it particularly appealing for those who enjoy an engaging auditory experience. However, it's essential to consider that the overall sound produced by either switch can vary significantly depending on the specific keyboard, keycap material, and configuration.

Regarding feel, the Jupiter Brown is designed with a mild and stepped tactile experience in mind. This means it provides a gentle typing experience that can be appealing to a wide range of users due to its balanced characteristics. The stepped tactile bump allows for a reasonable degree of feedback without overwhelming the typist, making it suitable for both everyday work and gaming scenarios. On the other hand, the HMX Perky offers a notably polished and silky typing experience. This results in reduced friction and a seamless key travel, ensuring that users can enjoy a fluid typing motion without resistance. The contrasting experiences between the two switches point to the Jupiter Brown’s focus on tactility versus the Perky’s emphasis on smooth linear action.

In summary, while both the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the HMX Perky offer distinct experiences, they cater to different preferences for sound and feel. The Jupiter Brown provides a mild, tactile sensation with a more muted audio cue, making it a versatile choice for various typing tasks. Conversely, the HMX Perky excels with its lively, clacky sound and an ultra-smooth, polished feel, ideal for users who prioritize speed and fluidity. Choosing between them depends on whether one prefers a tactile feedback experience or a silky linear typing action, both of which can lead to satisfying results depending on personal typing style and keyboard setup.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, your choice should hinge on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you appreciate a traditional tactile feedback that combines a medium-heavy feel with a slight step in the actuation, the Jupiter Brown switch might be the better option for you. Its 70-gram bottom-out force and mild, stepped tactile feedback offer a familiar typing experience that’s both satisfying and reliable, especially for lengthy typing sessions or gaming where tactile cues are crucial. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and smoother keystrokes, the HMX Perky linear switch is a solid choice. Its 50-gram bottom-out force, along with its polished and silky feel, creates an effortless typing experience that’s ideal for rapid typing or gaming where speed and responsiveness are prioritized. Additionally, the Perky's clacky sound can add a fun auditory dimension to your keyboard experience. By assessing your typing style and the key characteristics of each switch, you can choose the one that best complements your needs for comfort, performance, and enjoyment.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Brown Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more

HMX Perky Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more